Ever feel like your kitchen is getting steamy, even when you’re just heating up leftovers? That’s where a venting microwave comes in! It’s not just about cooking food; it’s about keeping your kitchen fresh and clean while you do it.
Choosing a venting microwave can be a real headache. There are so many different kinds, and they all promise to do amazing things. Do you need one that blows air out your window, or is one that cleans the air inside enough? It’s easy to get confused and end up with a microwave that doesn’t quite fit your needs. You want a microwave that works well and makes your cooking experience better, not harder.
This post is here to help you cut through all the confusion. We’ll explain what venting microwaves are, why they’re so important for your kitchen, and what to look for when you’re shopping. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the perfect venting microwave for your home. Let’s dive in and make your kitchen a better place to cook!
Our Top 5 Venting Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Venting Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
Rating: 8.8/10
The Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven, EMPV-30OTR01, in sleek stainless steel, brings power and convenience to your kitchen. It boasts a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, perfect for fitting larger dishes. With its 1000 watts of power and 10 different settings, you can cook a wide variety of foods quickly and efficiently. The intuitive screen touch controls make operation a breeze, and the pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items.
What We Like:
- 1000 watts of power cooks food fast.
- 1.7 Cu.ft. interior easily fits large items.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking.
- 300 CFM venting fan keeps your kitchen air fresh.
- Cooktop LED lighting shines brightly on your stove.
- Turntable On/Off option is great for big dishes.
- Child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
- Comes with a 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The overall dimensions might be large for some smaller kitchens.
This Empava microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering powerful performance and smart features. Its durable design and excellent warranty make it a smart investment for your home.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel. This bundle isn’t just a microwave; it’s a complete package designed for convenience and peace of mind. You get a spacious 1.6 cubic foot microwave, perfect for heating leftovers or cooking family meals. Plus, it comes with a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, so you’re covered for longer. This microwave also includes a handy charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh. It’s designed with easy-to-use controls and fits neatly over your range, saving valuable counter space. This is a smart addition for any busy household.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity holds plenty of food.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep simple.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for extra security.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for fresh air.
- Sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- Over-the-range design saves counter space.
- GE USA Authorized ensures quality and reliability.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While user-friendly, some advanced users might desire more specialized cooking modes.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and practical features for everyday use. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen with a reliable and well-protected appliance.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft. microwave packs a powerful 1000 watts to quickly heat and cook your favorite foods. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. Enjoy convenience with one-touch cooking and pre-programmed settings for all your everyday needs.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food fast.
- 1.9 cu.ft. capacity fits large dishes and meals.
- Pre-programmed auto menus make cooking simple for popcorn, pizza, and more.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stove below.
- 400-CFM venting system efficiently removes smoke and odors.
- Turntable On/Off option lets you cook irregularly shaped items.
- Child lock feature keeps little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation instructions could be more detailed.
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers excellent performance and convenience for any kitchen. It’s a solid choice for busy households seeking a reliable and user-friendly over-the-range microwave.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic feet microwave is designed to be your new kitchen helper. It’s perfect for busy families and anyone who loves to cook. The sleek black finish looks great above any stove.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits large dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable for even cooking. It’s like having an extra sous chef!
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: With 1000 watts of power, you can choose from 6 handy presets for popcorn, drinks, melting, reheating, and defrosting.
- Speedy Cooking: Need food fast? Just press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 100% power cooking for up to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: This feature lets you set two different power levels and times for one cooking cycle. Cook at 90% power for 10 minutes, then at 50% for 5 minutes, all with one button press.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The powerful two-speed fan clears smoke and smells from your kitchen. A bright light shines down on your stovetop for better visibility while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 1000-watt power output to be standard, not exceptionally high for certain cooking tasks.
- While the vent fan is powerful, it may not completely eliminate all cooking odors in very active kitchens.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and powerful cooking features.
5. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.3/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.8 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating up meals or cooking snacks. With 1000 cooking watts, it heats food quickly and evenly. Plus, a handy child lock keeps little hands safe. The sleek stainless steel design looks modern and stylish above your stove.
What We Like:
- Large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food.
- Powerful 1000 cooking watts heat meals fast.
- 10 power levels give you control over cooking.
- Auto Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing.
- Child Lock provides extra safety for families.
- 300 CFM fan efficiently clears kitchen air.
- Stainless steel finish is easy to clean and looks good.
What Could Be Improved:
- Recirculating kit is sold separately, adding an extra cost if needed.
- The venting type is non-ducted by default, which might not be ideal for all kitchens.
This Frigidaire microwave is a solid choice for busy households. It combines ample space, powerful cooking, and useful features for everyday convenience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Venting Microwaves
Why Choose a Venting Microwave?
A venting microwave, also called an over-the-range microwave, does more than just heat your food. It also pulls smoke, steam, and cooking smells out of your kitchen. This keeps your air fresh and your kitchen cleaner. It’s a handy appliance for any home chef.
Key Features to Look For
1. Venting Power (CFM)
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This number tells you how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM means the fan works harder to clear the air. Look for a CFM of at least 100 for everyday cooking. If you do a lot of frying or grilling, a CFM of 200 or higher is better.
2. Venting Options
Some microwaves vent outside your home. Others recirculate air back into the kitchen through charcoal filters. Vents that go outside are the most effective. Make sure the microwave you choose matches your kitchen’s setup.
3. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove before you buy. Also, think about how much food you cook. A larger capacity microwave can fit bigger dishes and more food.
4. Power Levels and Cooking Presets
Most microwaves have several power levels. This lets you cook food gently or heat it quickly. Cooking presets are buttons for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes. They make cooking easier.
5. Lighting
A good light under the microwave helps you see your stovetop. Some lights are brighter than others. Some also have a fan-only setting to keep the air moving.
Important Materials
Venting microwaves are usually made of stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel looks modern and is easy to clean. Enamel is durable and comes in different colors.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters:
- Strong Fan Motor: A powerful motor ensures good ventilation.
- Durable Filters: Easy-to-clean or replaceable filters improve air quality.
- Solid Construction: Well-built microwaves last longer.
Quality Reducers:
- Weak Fan: A weak fan won’t clear the air effectively.
- Cheap Materials: Thin metal or plastic parts can break easily.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons make the microwave hard to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
A venting microwave makes cooking much more enjoyable. You can fry bacon or stir-fry vegetables without filling your home with smoke. The fan also helps reduce cooking odors. This is great for people who love to cook often. It’s also perfect for smaller kitchens where space is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if I need a venting microwave?
A: If your kitchen often gets smoky or smells like food after cooking, a venting microwave is a good idea.
Q: What is CFM, and how much do I need?
A: CFM measures how much air the fan moves. For most kitchens, 100 CFM is enough. If you cook a lot of smoky foods, aim for 200 CFM or more.
Q: Can I install a venting microwave myself?
A: Installing a venting microwave can be tricky. It often involves working with ductwork. It’s usually best to hire a professional.
Q: How often should I clean or replace the filters?
A: Check your microwave’s manual. Generally, you should clean metal filters monthly and replace charcoal filters every few months.
Q: Do venting microwaves make a lot of noise?
A: They can be a little noisy, especially on higher fan settings. Look for models that mention noise reduction features.
Q: Can I use a venting microwave if I don’t have an outside vent?
A: Yes, you can use a recirculating model. These use charcoal filters to clean the air before sending it back into the kitchen.
Q: What size microwave should I get?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Microwaves are usually measured in width, like 24, 27, or 30 inches.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints. However, many models have smudge-proof finishes. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth usually does the trick.
Q: Can I vent a microwave horizontally?
A: Some microwaves are designed for horizontal venting. Make sure to check the product specifications.
Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a range hood?
A: A range hood only has a fan and light. A venting microwave has a fan, light, and also cooks your food.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.